EGUNGUN FESTIVAL: LAGOS POLICE ARREST 12 OVER CIRCULATED RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC MOVEMENT

Following the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, on Wednesday ordered the immediate suspension of the festival initially slated for November 27 and 28, citing threats to public safety and the potential for unrest.

The Command noted that the circulated publications had already caused tension among residents, prompting swift police action. It warned that no group has the authority to restrict the movement of Lagosians at any time, emphasizing that the fundamental rights of citizens would be protected.

According to the police, an assessment showed that the planned festival had triggered widespread apprehension across Oregun and nearby communities, making its suspension necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The Command added that no cultural event capable of heightening tension or endangering lives would be permitted in the state.

A similar situation was recorded on November 23 in Mafoluku, Oshodi, where handbills announcing movement restrictions were distributed. Officers from the Makinde Division promptly intervened and arrested twelve suspects, who are currently under investigation and will be prosecuted upon conclusion of inquiries.

Reaffirming the suspension, CP Jimoh ordered the Oje Parapo group to halt any preparations for the festival, stating that security could not be guaranteed. He described the fear created among residents as unacceptable and cautioned that anyone attempting to disrupt public order would face legal consequences.

The Command urged Lagosians to go about their daily activities without fear, assuring them of continued protection of lives and property.

FULL TEST OF PRESS STATEMENT:

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested twelve (12) suspects in connection with circulating handbills and posters information on social media attributed to “OJE PARAPO OF OREGUN”. The publication from this group was warning and restricting the general public from freedom of movement, expression, and dignity to human persons.

(2)The Command will not tolerate lawlessness in any part of the State, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has therefore directed the suspension of this festival, which is likely to lead to disturbance of public peace, safety, and public order in the State.

(3) This restriction suffices to make it clear that no group should take laws into their hands and prevent other Nigerians from movement around and throughout the State at will at any time. The Lagos State Police Command will continue to firmly protect the fundamental human rights of everyone in the State. The Command further warns anyone planning unauthorized gatherings or activities that are capable of threatening public peace and safety to desist forthwith from such plans.

(4) With regard to the publication of the Oregun traditional Egungun festival, scheduled as seen in the handbills and posters for 27th and 28th November 2025. The Lagos State Police Command has assessed the level of fear and apprehension already generated among residents because of the publication of restrictions against the fundamental freedoms and rights of the people of the State and has hereby declared that the event must not hold. This is done to ensure public safety, law and order, and protection of life and property of the people of the State. No festival that can risk destabilising the peace or heightening tension in the State will be permitted under any circumstances.

(5) In similar circumstances at Mafoluku, Oshodi, within the Makinde Police Division, the Command acted promptly on 23rd November 2025 after similar publications were circulated to instigate disturbance of public order, safety, and other acts capable of disrupting public peace and protection of life and property. Twelve (12) suspects were arrested and are currently under investigation. They will be prosecuted on completion of the investigation.

(5) The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State CP Olohundare Jimoh, categorically wishes to reaffirm that the Oje PARAPO of Oregun should desist forthwith from holding the Egungun Festival as the security for the festival can no longer be guaranteed. Furthermore, the stress and fear already instilled in residents are unacceptable. He warns that the full weight of the law will be applied to anyone or group that attempts to undermine the peace, safety, or stability of Lagos State.

(6) The general public throughout the State is therefore advised to go about their lawful duties, obligations, and other responsibilities without any fear or apprehension. Members of the public are advised to report any suspicious activities to the Police through any of our emergency numbers 08063299264, 09053872208, 07061019374, 08065154338.

SP ABIMBOLA ADEBISI, anipr, mipra,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FOR: THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE,
LAGOS STATE COMMAND.